100 Things To Do Before You Die: The Definitive Life Guide For Men Chapter Two

Chapter 2: 100 Things To Do Before You Die

51. Stargaze In Atacama Desert in Chile

“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.”

― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

We may never know the answer to the age old question as to what’s really all out there, but at least we can marvel upwards into the sky and wonder. And what better what to do so than while in the remote Atacama Desert in Chile… High in altitude with low clouds, light pollution and radio interference, this dry desert is a star gazing paradise for astronomers and those fascinated by the faraway galaxies.

You’ll want to journey to the Cerro Paranal to gain access to some of the world’s best high-powered telescopes. Operated by the European Southern Observatory, they’ll take you on a tour of the same areas the James Bond movie Quantum of Solace was filmed.

Advice before going: Keep an eye on the lunar calendar so you can plan in advanced. Avoid venturing out on nights where there is a full moon for the best visibility.

The best places to stargaze in the world:

Yangtze River Valley: China

La Fortuna: Costa Rica

Hawaii: USA

Kiruna: Sweden

New Mexico: USA

Tuscany: Italy

Kruger National Park: South Africa

52. Zip Line in Monteverde, Costa Rica

Zip across 2,500 plus feet of incredible forest views in absolute awe as nature humbles your mind. From tree top to tree top there is not a second of this experience you won’t remember forever. Monteverde, Costa Rica is also home to phenomenal suspension bridges, Tarzan swings, strangler fig tree climbing, and so much more. No matter what you choose, there’s always an astonishing adventure awaiting.

Even better: The Zip-Flyer Trolley in Pokhara, Nepal. (Skip to exactly 1:00 mark)

53. Eat at The World’s Best Restaurants

It might take you a year on the waiting list to eat at a place like El Celler De Can Roca, but the food is to die for. Even if you’re not a master chef or foodie by heart, there’s no reason not to sample gourmet food at any of the world’s best restaurants. Simply indulge in new culinary creations, and savor their exotic flavors and wild textures that puzzle your taste buds.

Add these restaurants to your top ten list:

The Fat Duck: Modern British

Alinea: Contemporary American

Noma: Nordic

The Ledbury: Modern French

Robuchon Au Dome: French

Pierre Gagnaire: Modern Fusion

Daniel: Contemporary French

Aqua: Modern European

54. See Stonehenge

There is one mystery that no one in Salisbury, England or the rest of the world can seem to solve: The Stonehenge purpose. Dating back well over five thousand years, these gigantic stones weight in at a massive 25 tons and peak thirty feet into the sky.

Scientists believe they were sourced from the Perseli Hills in western Wales, which would mean they traveled an impressive 156 miles to reach their final destination. Recently newly found evidence has uncovered human bone deposits dating back to 3000 BC, suggesting that it may have been a burial ground.

55. Golf At Old Course In St. Andrews

Legendary royalty: that’s what it feels like when you first tee off on the prestigious St. Andrews Old Course greens. With a long standing tradition for bringing back sentimental moments, it’s been played by golfing greats such as Tom Morris, Seve Ballesteros and Jack Nicklaus. You’ll golf following in the footsteps of these legends all while being surrounded by the beautiful Scotland scenery.

The best places to golf at:

Jasper Park Golf Club: Alberta, Canada

Old Head: Ireland

Dog Runs: Pebble Beach, California

Bandon Trails: Bandon, Oregon

Augusta National Golf Club: Augusta, Georgia (Go to the US Masters Golf Tournament)

El Camaleon at Mayakoba: Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club: Lijiang City, China

56. Ride the Singapore Flyer

Reaching a shocking height of 541 feet up, the Singapore Flyer delivers quite the sight to see in the sky. It’s the world’s tallest operational Ferris wheel, beating the previous record holder, the Star of Nachang in Jiangxi, China. Views of the Marina bay are spectacular and even better when shared with a group of friends. Each capsule carries 28 passengers at a time up into the air.

However, while it may have distinctive views that are truly one of kind, Las Vegas has once again raised the bar to break this standing record. Expected to be completed in Feb 2014, the High Roller will be an additional 9 feet taller.

57. Watch The Space Shuttle Launch

As kids we all dreamed about being an astronaut, watching with our eyes glued to the television as the shuttle blasted off into the sky. Knowing it would reach the moon marveled us, while the science behind it seemed like an absolute mystery. We bought moon shoes hoping to bounce around the Earth astronaut style. For the most part it just resulted in diminished dreams and a lot of broken ankles. But still, we never lost sight of what that amazing adventure just might entail…

No matter how you look at it, there’s one always thing that you can do, and that’s watch the shuttle launch in person for the first time. It’s a totally different perspective, a surreal feeling, and a burst of excitement as you cheer on mankind’s victory and innovation.

58. Ride the Rocky Mountaineer

Hop on board this first-class journey and you’ll embark on a train ride of a lifetime. Panoramic views of glacier-fed lakes, mountains and canyons will keep you in awe at all times. The sky dome roof will take your breath away as bald eagles soar over the incredible scenery and landscapes. It’s an adventure showcasing nature at its finest and most beautiful form. Who knew an outdoor expedition could be such a luxury experience?

When you travel Gold Leaf, which by the way is the best way to go, you’ll dine on amazing gourmet food including my favorite, the Salmon. You’ll hear detailed commentary from the train staff exposing you to all the mind-provoking facts you’ve always wanted the answers to. Plus with photo opportunities around every corner, you’ll come to love every moment of being on board. And when you’re ready for some fresh air, there’s an observation platform giving you absolute freedom to do so.

For the best trip possible, stay a night in Whistler Village at the Nita Lake Lodge. Or spend some time in Kamloops and Quesnel and have your luggage delivered right to your favorite hotel.

59. Take The Polar Plunge

Take a dip into the icey cold waters and get freezin’ for a good reason. You’ll dash, splash, and of course leave shaking, but if you’re as brave as a polar bear, you’ll love the swim! These Polar Bear Plunges are held all over the world and help support thousands of charities, organizations, and causes. Dating back to the 20’s, Canada’s Polar Bear Swim Club has been attracting crowds of one to two-thousand swimmers every year. In 2000 they set a world-record with an impressive 2,128 participants taking the frozen plunge.

Recently Maryland held a Plungapalooza which drew in a chart topping 7,400 people, and raised a massive $2.2 million dollars in the process. The event has been growing every year since; in fact, over 12,00 people attended in 2008.

60. Tour Petra In Ma’an, Jordan

Explore the lost treasures of Petra and discover the secrets to its rock-cut, architectural wonders of the world. Located on the slope of Jabel Al-Madhbah in the mountains, this city has earned the nickname “Rose-Red City” for it’s incredible red sandstone.

You’ll discover remnants from the past including magnificent templates, tombs, the Umm al Amad copper mines, and innovative irrigation systems. There’s also a wondrous amphitheater sculpted right into the hills with ornate columns and details. All of this is visible above for a birds eye view at the High Place of Sacrifice.

61. Attend the Monaco Grand Prix

Watch as brilliant engineering assists remarkable race cars through narrow roads peaking speeds at 160mph; leaving nothing behind but tire shreds in their path, and a fading engine roar in the distance. Hills and tight corners will raise the air on your arms as drivers dangerously navigate effortlessly right trough them. It’s the prized specter sport that’s been bringing legendary drivers and automotive enthusiasts together since 1929.

Held every year on the Circuit de Monaco, this Formula One race is regarded as being one of the most prestigious and important races ever in existence. Beyond the luxury yachts and La Rascasse, the desire to win is in view of every racer’s mind while blazing through the unforgiving streets of the alluring Mediterranean principality.

Be A Part of The Triple Crown:

Indianapolis 500

24 Hours of Le Mans

62. Explore Machu Picchu

In the middle of a tropical mountain forest you’ll find the mysterious Machu Picchu ruins. Naturally cut rock embedded in the landscapes delivers unforgettable views and an amazing aurora all around. With over two-hundred hand-forged structures carved deep into the steep ridge you’ll witness surreal architecture. All of which is surrounded by a dawn mist floating above in the atmosphere.

It’s believed to have been the home estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti dating all the way back to 1428. Although the Lost City of the Incas wasn’t truly formed until around the year 1450. Within the next century it was abandoned as the Spanish Conquest began to take place in the course of history.

63. Visit the Louvre Museum

With over a million pieces of artwork on display for your viewing pleasure, this collection has been growing every since it first started in the 16th century. Originally founded by King Francis I, the Louvre Museum has expanded into one of the largest museums in the world. It’s located right in the heart of Paris in the 1st arrondissement, and is easily spotted thanks to the massive glass pyramid on the outside.

Upon walking inside you’ll find different wings such as the Sully Wing, Richelieu Wing, and Denon Wing each showcasing their own distinctive masterpieces. Perhaps the most common of them all and crowded is the Denon Wing which contains the Mona Lisa portrait by none other than Leonardo Da Vinci himself.

64. Throw Tomatoes at La Tomatina

If you’ve ever wanted to start a food fight or perhaps throw a tomato on stage at a bad actor, here’s your chance to do it without any consequences. The La Tomatina festival takes place in the Valencian town of Bunol, which is just a short trip away from the Mediterranean.

Some believe this fun tomato throwing event started back in 1945 when people threw tomatoes at animals eating nearby fruit. By mistake, one of those tomatoes struck a police officer which brought about a storm of tomato flying in every direction.

True or not, no one can argue with the fact that La Tomatina is growing each and every year in popularity. In 2013 the Town Hall of Bunol was so overwhelmed with participants they were forced to limit the number of tomato throwing patrons to a respectable 20,000.

65. Go to Kiyomizu-dera In Kyoto, Japan

This famous temple in Kyoto dates all the way back to 780 and is otherwise known as the “Pure Water Temple”. The name comes from the fall’s pure waters, which you can see in the Otowa Waterfall at the base of the main hall. But to get there, you’ll have to first venture through the Higashiyama District and climb up steep and crowded roads.

Once you arrive you’ll find a large wooden stage with views of cherry and maple trees with beautifully assorted colors depending on the season. There’s also the Jishu Shrine which is believed to bring about love and matchmaking when you visit.

66. Tour Ferrari World

Finally there’s a theme park for automotive enthusiasts.. Built by Jack Rouse Associates, from my hometown in Cincinnati, this 2 million square foot amusement park is the largest of its kind. Even the 213 feet long Ferrari logo located on the top of the roof is the largest Ferrari logo ever created to date.

To get there it’s about a hour and a half drive from Dubai. Upon arriving make sure you take a ride on the Formula Rossa which is touted as being the world’s fastest roller coaster with speeds reaching 149 mph. You’ll also have a chance to watch films and walk your way through the historical Ferrari story.

67. Walk Across The Golden Gate Bridge

See extraordinary engineering and take in amazing views at the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Built on the three mile long channel between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, it’s an iconic American structure. The bridge at one point was the world record holder for the longest suspension bridge in existence when it opened in 1937. It lost the title in 1964, and as of today the current champion is the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge with a total length of 12,831 feet. To put that in comparison the Golden Gate Bridge is 4,200 feet long.

It’s about an hour long walk across assuming you don’t ride a bike or jog. But along the way you’ll get a sense for the incredible height, witness a gleaming waterfront, and of course, experience the wind, sun and thick fog.

68. Fly First Class

Flying first class is expensive there’s no doubt about that, but the amenities it offers are something every man should experience at least once in a lifetime. Check-in is effortless, you’re treated like royalty, and at times you’ll might feel like the plane is all yours. Which seems odd once you think about how many times airlines have proposed new ideas for adding 10 more seats.. In the same planes where there is already a painfully cramped 3″ of leg room to begin with. (Thanks!)

Relax in seats that were designed to rotate 180 degrees; not the ones in Economy where it’s basically the result of people wearing the seat out by force. Consider flying first class for your next business trip or vacation, and forget about recovering from painful flights of the past.

69. Attend A Chicago Blues House

Nothing soothes the soul quite like the classic blues. Immerse yourself in the calming sounds and escape the hustle of a fast paced and busy life for a moment. Chicago is home to some of the coziest venues featuring a diverse mix of performers who will keep you entertained all night long. Grab some drinks with a group of friends and a bite to eat while the stage lights up with life.

Many lounges even have prayer rooms where you’ll find Hindu and Buddhist items, funky decor, and amazing artwork. Just make sure you find a seat early, because even though it may be a laid back atmosphere, finding a seat at times can be quite chaotic.

70. Play at the Boryeong Mud Festival

Get down and dirty with over two million people from around the world at the Boryeong Mud Festival. This good, clean fun all started back in 1998 and has been growing in popularity ever since its inception. The original idea behind it resolves around the cosmetic business which sold products containing mud sourced at the nearby local flats.

The mud itself is known to be rich in minerals, germaniums and bentonities, all of which are believed to be good for the skin. However, there have been some controversies about children getting rashes in 2007. As a result it led to officials to better inspect for any contamination, in addition to ensuring cleaner water sources are available. And as of seven years later with no reported problems, I’d like to believe it’s a thing of the past.

Presently, the festival features mud pools, slides, prisons, and skiing competitions. Some people even add coloring dye to the mud for body painting purposes. There’s also a massive center stage with live music and a spectacular fireworks show to finish off the festival.

71. Shop A Local Barbershop Or Butcher

It isn’t easy running a local business serving your neighbors; it’s even harder when you’re competing against corporate giants. But there is one thing that gives local home town businesses the upper hand.. And if you haven’t experienced yet, well then it’s about time. I’m talking about that personal level of customer service, where service is done with passion and pride in mind, not profit.

Spend some time shopping your local barbershop, butcher or shoe repair, etc. A lot of these local places are the real supporters of your community; some even sponsoring things like your youth baseball team when you played as a child. But for most men, they’ve forgotten about those things as price and convenience takes the forefront of answering the question: “Where should I shop at?”

72. Bulldoze Something

I’d like to believe that demolition is a sincere form of artwork. Who’s the say you can’t have fun sculpting a masterpiece working with a wrecking ball or bulldozer? Some people fall in love with art that has one painted brush stroke, in fact they’ll pay millions for it. You know what’s really worth millions? The experience you’ll have smashing tangled metal, concrete and dirt all-together in a destructive furry. The aftermath is oddly enough… Stunningly beautiful.

There’s the thrill, power, and rush you get when you’re behind the wheel of these massive toys. And if you think you have to become a construction worker to do this, you might want to think again. To my surprise there’s a heavy equipment playground in Vegas where you can rent them out yourself.

Another thing to do before you die: Participate in a demolition derby race

73. Mine for Gold And Strike It Rich

You don’t have to buy millions of dollars worth of machinery, nor you need to have your own TV show like Gold Rush in order to strike it rich. In fact, you can discover gold and other precious stones all across the world without a big investment. Chances are you won’t become the next famous gold digger, but with gold prices as high as they are right now, you might just walk away with a size-able chunk of cash. No matter what the outcome, the 7,000 year old tradition of gold mining is always an enjoyable time well spent.

To get started all you’ll need is a wide, shallow pan to shift through the sand and gravel; in addition to finding the right place to mine at of course. It’s the fastest and least-complex to discover gold, simply involving water and plenty of patience.

Famous for making prized baseball bats used by countless legendary greats, Louisville Slugger sets the signature bat standard. Even their Louisville, Kentucky museum is quite the grand slam experience. On the outside you’ll find a massive baseball bat, and I when I say massive, I mean 68,000 pounds massive..

Its technically the world’s largest baseball bat, although it’s constructed with steel and has a hollow inside. Speaking of what’s inside, the museum itself is home to an endless amount of iconic baseball history and memorabilia.

You’ll catch a glimpse of how each bat is carefully crafted by hand, plus explore the different types of woods used in production. Afterwards there’s a realistic virtual tour of how it feels to be hitting a baseball at 95mph. It definitely will give you a new perceptive on things.. So will the batting cages when you swing around heavy historical bats.

75. Operate The Jaws Of Life

The Jaws of life are literally just that.. Made by the Hurts Jaws of Life Co. these hydraulic tools cut, spread and ram with absolute sheer brute force. In desperate situations where fire fighters are forced to extricate accident victims they are invaluable tools to have on hand. Just imagine holding a tool that has a spreading force of 121,400 pounds, or perhaps one that can cut with a remarkable 152,870 pounds of force.

76. Build An Outdoor Pizza Stove

If you love pizza as most men do, then it doesn’t get any better than cooking up a fresh pie in a wood fired pizza oven; especially one you built yourself in the backyard. Build it once and it and the investment will pay off for a lifetime. Any DIY weekender can put one together thanks to the easiness of acquiring all the materials at the local store. Their affordable too. If you can find solid red clay bricks you’re in luck, but if you want to build one the proper way, the total cost will run you around $700 dollars.

Forget the engine, there’s one way to satisfy your need for speed without it. What’s that you ask? Only the most glorious race of them all: The Red Bull Soapbox Race. You’ll fly down the pavement taking along crazy challenges and leave your competition chasing behind. That place at the podium is calling your name, and so are the tons of spectators cheering you on to reach it.

It’s fast, human-powered racing for the amateurs but nothing short of absolutely outrageous. Most race cars are creatively mind-provoking or just downright hilarious to watch. No matter how you build out your race car one thing is guaranteed: It’s awesome to be a part of it.

78. Attend Coachella Or a Music Festival

They say concert sales have been steadily dropping over the years, even though it’s still a respectable one billion dollar business. But aside from the solo big-name acts there’s always one festival that seems to sell out early: Coachella. Take for example their 2014 festival which sold out in just under 3 hours and for a good reason.

With diverse music genres including rock, hip hop, electronic music and others, it’s the most profitable and popular music festival in the US. The three-day event is intense to say the least. 150 acts performing on stage, a swarm of people surrounding you, and visuals arts all around makes the experience truly unforgettable. Even if you can’t get tickets there’s still plenty of EDM festivals attracting some major crowds all around the world like: A State of Trance.

79. Inspire Others With A TED Talks Speech

“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”

– Aristotle

Public speaking scares some men to death, for others it comes quite naturally. You might feel nervous lecturing a group of say two hundred or more, but like at all great things it just takes practice. Once you’ve mastered the art of speaking with confidence and engaging your audience the reward can be life changing. Imagine being able to share your perspective on things to inspire and educate others in the process. Ideas are the most powerful tools people have; learning how to communicate yours effectively will be a lifelong investment that pays substantial dividends.

If there’s one thing I want to do before I die myself, it’s without a doubt race in the Gumball 3000. This 3,000 mile journey started by Maximillion Copper and wife in 1999 is renowned for its over the top experience. Aside from simply being surrounded on the road by breathtaking machines like the Ferrari FF, F12, 458, Nissan GT-R, Maclaren, Rebellion R2K and others, there’s so much more to discover…

To find out first hand, you’ll need to pull together a sizeable $46,000 entry fee, which of course isn’t so bad once you consider it’s helping to support charities around the world. Plus you’ll be venturing off to world-class hotels, and attending some of the wildest parties along the way. You could spend the same amount of cash at a Vegas nightclub and still miss out on so much, making the Gumball 3000 absolutely worth it.

It’s filmed live across the world and draws in crowds in excess of over a million people cheering you. The prestige, powerful automobiles, and experience all backed by a good cause will make you feel like a true winner.

81. Walk The Bamboo Forest In Japan

This exotic grass soars high into the sky creating the ultimate grove of peacefulness and tranquility. The Arashiyama bamboo forest has been inspiring artists for centuries, plus been an integral part of iconic Japanese workshop products. It’s been used in everything from teahouses to baskets, and chopsticks among a hundred other things for a good reason.

Bamboo itself has been reported to have a stronger tensile strength than steel alloys, not to mention a better compression strength than concrete. To put that in perspective, homes built from bamboo have lasted through 9.0 magnitude earthquakes without suffering any damage.

Another interesting note about Bamboo is that it can grow four feet within just under 24 hours. In comparison, the average tree will take around 30-50 years to re-grow fully after being cut.

82. Adventure The Mendenhall Ice Caves

When I say once in a lifetime I really mean it.. The Mendenhall Ice Caves are the result of glaciers melting and leaving behind hollow caves with stunning blue ceilings. However they won’t last forever, which makes seeing them now an idea worth considering. To get there you’ll need to trek by foot or travel by kayak. Once you arrive in Mendenhall Valley you’ll find over 12 majestic miles of glacier to explore.

83. Explore The Naica Mine In Mexico

Amazing selenite crystals encompass the entire Naica Mine once you venture down 1,000 feet below the earth. At the surface you’ll see crystals as large as four feet long but the real treasure can be found in the Cave of Crystals. This cavern is home to some of the largest natural crystals ever discovered in the world, with the largest reaching 39 feet in length. If you were to weigh it, it would be an astonishing 55 tons.

Although seeing them can be quite difficult considering there is a magma chamber located below the cave. Temperatures inside reach a hot 136 °F while the humidity is 90 to 99 percent. At most you’ll can only be exposed at around ten minutes at a time without protective gear.

84. See The Salar De Uyuni Salt Flat

It might be the world’s largest salt flat at 4,000+ square miles but the real magic happens when it rains. During the rainy season of January to April this desert turns into a massive reflective mirror-like surface. The sky and clouds display across the thin sheet of water making it feel like a surreal heavenly environment. You can walk across them by foot or travel by any 4×4 vehicle thanks to the supportive floor of the salt plains. No matter which method you go with the feeling of touching the clouds seems all too real..

After all, it is located 3,600 miles above the sea level in the Andres. To get there you’ll want to take a trip to South West Bolivia, but just make sure you spend at least a few days there. During the night time these dried up salt plains turn a phenomenal blue color.

85. Finish The Toughman Or Spartan Race

Prove you have the fight inside of you by finishing the grueling Spartan Race or competing in the Toughman. You’ll fiercely push yourself to the limits and challenge yourself to master mind over body. To succeed in the Spartan race you’ll hurdle through blazing fire, crawl through the sharp barbwire covered mud fields, and drag massive tires that pull you down. But that’s only the start of things… If you really want to reach the finish line there’s even more exhausting obstacles you’ll encounter with every painful step forward.

Even the original Toughman itself is just as labor-intensive, putting amateur fighters to the ultimate test in the ring. You’ll box three one minute rounds battling your way on through the two day eliminations. And if you can endure the harsh punches, you might just walk away as the world champion.

86. Observe The Zhangye Danxia Landform

Witness the remarkable colors and the result of 24 million years of red sandstone and mineral deposits. These rock formations at the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park almost look like layers of cake when to stand back to admire them. Seeing them in first person up-close almost feels like you’re walking on an alien planet, it’s surreal.

The colors aren’t nearly as bright or vibrant as the photo above; most of the mountains are a more realistic red tone in appearance. Nonetheless, they are still quite enjoyable to explore if your expectations aren’t over the top.

87. Take The Virgin Galactic To Space

It might cost a whopping $250,000 a ticket, but at least their refundable right? If you’re lucky enough to make it on board you’ll fly deep into outer space at a remarkable 2,500 mph. That’s over three times the speed of sound, making the trip quite fast all things considered..

But once you do arrive at nearly 50,000 feet above the Earth you’ll see why the The Virgin Galactic is an aspiring astronauts dream voyage. The cabins feature plenty of room to enjoy zero gravity while spacious windows let you glance down out at the beautiful world down below.

88. Be A Husband And Father

Dating for some men can but this huge challenge, sure there’s a lot of crazy women out there, but the finish line does offer quite the nice reward: The woman of your dreams. Finally, you’ll have a life partner that you can enjoy every incredible moment with, including traveling together to some of the world’s best places I’ve mentioned in this guide so far. But ultimately you don’t need to hear me fire off a list of reasons as to why you should listen, love should be enough..

But what I do want to talk about gentlemen is what happen afterwards: Raising your son or daughter as a father. Make it your life goal to teach them everything you know, and be there for them no matter what the situation at hand. Show them how the world works so that they may walk in your footsteps and grow into a adult of courage, honor and responsibility. Be the rock for all their troubles, and the leader who shows them how to overcome them. You are their role model and more importantly, their hero..

89. Bet On The Kentucky Derby Race

Crazy hats, crazy hats everywhere! You’ll see them at the annual Kentucky Derby Race in Louisville. The real prize of attending this legendary race is what most call the most exciting two minutes in sports. Jockeys push their horses to the limits while trainers and fans stand nearby in anticipation, eager for their pick to reach the finish line. For most spectators it also means clinging a mint julep in their hand just a bit tighter as the race draws near the end. It’s the traditional iced drink with mint, sugar syrup and bourbon, and yes, it’s tastes just as sweet as seeing your horse win.

Things to know: The fastest ever time recorded was 1 min 59 2/5 seconds by Secretariat in 1964. But that’s not Secretariats only impressive feat.. Aside from simply holding an impressive 40 year record, he’s also the only horse to have ever gone faster in each Triple Crown race performed.

90. Handcraft Your Own Timepiece

To think, the Patek Caliber 89 features 1,728 parts, some smaller than a human’s hair.. It totals to 2.5lbs and has a grand total of 33 complications; that’s a lot in such a small package. The watch took around nine years to complete, but some watches often take a lifetime or two. Often men will start crafting them only to leave them behind for the next generation to finish; all due in part to the sheer complexity and time involved.

Now you don’t have to dedicated a lifetime yourself to hand-crafting your own watch, but what you can do is make one on a smaller scale. There are so many different possibilities when it comes to the world of watch making, all it requires is a willingness to learn the intricate process.

91. Go Flyboarding

What happens when combine a jet pack and a jet ski? You get the Flyboard. It’s the new extreme sport where you can rocket an impressive 45 feet up straight out of the water. You’ll surf the sky like Iornman and fly anywhere with total freedom, including under the water. It’s all due in part thanks to the 100 horsepower motor which pumps out thousands of gallons of water per second.

The Flyboard is capable of delivering over 400 pounds of lift power, however controlling that power is the real issue at hand. Most places rent them for around $150 for 30 minutes plus have courses to teach you the ropes. And if you’re interested in owning one yourself, they retail for around $5,800 and up. Not bad once you consider that new jet skis themselves can often cost a lot more..

92. Walk Across The Skywalks

Skywalks are weird things.. It’s almost as if you’re walking off the edge of a cliff, and mysteriously keep walking right on the clouds in front of you. Sure there’s the metal structure keeping you up in the sky, but with glass floors and railing it feels all too realistic. If I had to imagine it’s the closest thing to a bird’s eye view you’re going to get; other than hanging down from a helicopter of course…

But the views are nothing short of breathtaking. The Grand Canyon Skywalk takes you an impressive 720 feet above the canyon floor, while the Glacier Skywalk in the Canadian Rockies is a mind-blowing 918 feet up.

93. Glowing Beach At Vaadhoo Maldives

What happens when micro-organisms in the sea water are exposed to oxygen and create a chemical reaction? A beautiful natural phenomenon occurs. The shores of Vaddhoo, Maldvies beach light up teeming in blue waves that brush into sand. It’s as if the stars themselves are being brilliantly showcased within these mesmerizing waters.

These tiny phytoplankton create a bioluminescence glow thanks to luciferein being catalyzed into luciferease. It’s a reaction you’d similarly witness among fireflies in the nighttime trying to attract prey.

94. Glowworm Caves In Waitomo

Speaking of things that glow, there’s also the Waitomo Glowworm Caves in New Zealand. For over 120 years now they’ve been attracting crowds thanks to their stunning luminescent light. They were first discovered back in 1887 by Maori Chief Tane Tinorau and Fred Mace. However you can discover them first hand yourself by embarking on a small boat ride inside the caves.

95. Tour The War Museums

For some reason I have always found war relics to be remarkably fascinating. The story they tell paints a picture in your mind of the historical issues and emotions those before us endured through. It gives us all an opportunity to reflect on things, gain a new perspective, and pay our respects to the courageous and fearless men of the past.

When you visit a war museum you’ll be exposed to a vast wealth of knowledge, but you’ll also get a firsthand look at historical jeeps, trucks, tanks, planes, and much more. Some are even home to the latest military toys like the F-117 and B-2 stealth bombers, which are just jaw dropping to see up close.

Where you should visit:

General George Patton Museum

Imperial War Museum

Les Invalides

The National Museum of the Air Force

Bundeswehr Military History Museum

96. Go Rock Climbing

When I say rock climbing I don’t mean rock climbing indoors at your local gym… I’m talking about the real deal: Carving your way into the steep mountain edge out in the great outdoors. It’s an intimidating, extreme sport that will push your endurance to the limits as you fight to keep your grip steadily. Along the way you’ll feel better connected to nature and come to realize your own struggles within. It’s a form of self development and a challenge that teaches us to trust and believe in ourselves.

97. Taste A Scotch Older Than Your Age

When you compare scotch and bourbon you’ll notice one major difference right off the bat. With Scotch age is a bragging right and rightfully so, as the grain flavor and color transitions while in the wood barrels. But on the other hand with bourbon, many people claim that the hot Kentucky climate speeds up the process by three to four fold. Not to mention, many bourbons are made from blended batches which in return, can make the true age quite unclear.. So why am I telling you this?

Because when you go up to the bar, don’t ask about the age like it’s a deciding factor. (Many men do this all the time, read this bourbon guide first.) It’s one thing to taste and sample finer whiskeys, and another to believe that older is always better. You’ll ruin the experience if you’re doing that, plus put a drain on your wallet in the process.

98. Toss A Coin Into The Trevi Fountain

This iconic Baroque fountain is the largest of its kind in Rome. Designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Pietro Bracci it stands 86 feet tall as an extraordinary masterpiece of artwork. At the center the most prominent carving is Neptun, God of the sea, with two Trithons on each side. Of the two, one struggles to control a sea horse, while the other appears to effortlessly tame his animal. It’s an interesting showcase of the contrasting moods of the mysterious sea.

It’s believed that upon throwing a coin into the water your return to Rome will be guaranteed in the future.

99. Ride A Motorcycle On The Open Road

“You’re completely in contact with it all. You’re in the scene, not just watching it anymore, and the sense of presence is overwhelming.”

– Robert Pirsig

There is more to riding a motorcycle than just the camaraderie and subtle wave of respect as you pass another rider on by. It allows you to take back your freedom and lets your adventurous side embrace the risk for what it is. It’s an escape from the office where mindfulness and living in the moment take the uppermost presence in your life.

You’re in total control with nothing at your side except for the symphony of the engines roar around you. With some savvy finesse and steady balance you can master the intimacy with your machine.

100. Find A Hobby You’re Passionate About

Don’t just find a hobby, find something you are passionate about, proud of, and love every moment being a part of. Discover new ways to educate yourself all while being entertained in the process. I promise there will never be another dull moment in your life again gentlemen.

Hobbies can take a lifetime to master and like anything they involve plenty of practice and persistence. However to help you make this easier for you, I’ve put together a massive list of the top 75 best hobbies for men. Find one that suits you the best and become a gentleman of greatness!